This study examines the emergence of Business Process
Outsourcing (BPO) in white collar occupations. Recent BPO
practices are compared to the offshore outsourcing of production
in the context of the shift from Fordist to flexible production. The
study considers BPO in light of Harry Braverman’s theory of
work degradation and whether or not BPO extends the traditional
division of labor between conception and execution to higher
skilled white collar occupations. An exploratory qualitative
approach comprised of informant interviews, a focus group, and
literature review was used to analyze how BPO occurs, why it
happens, and where it takes place. I discuss the role of politics
and corporate culture in outsourcing white collar jobs and
examine the practice of transitioning workers from client to BPO
service providers. The study concludes with a skill-based
typology of BPO services and suggestions for policy and future
research.

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